Trend Watch: Plenty of events for Easter

Easter is just around the corner and several places are hosting special events. Here are a few hopping ideas on how to celebrate the holiday.

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Easter Family Fun in H.B.

In Huntington Beach, the Easter Hunt and Family Fun Day will take place form 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30 at Huntington Central Park's Sports Complex, 18100 Goldenwest St.

The city's Community Services department and Kiwanis Club will host the egg hunt at the park, 18120 Goldenwest St. Games, displays from community services, public works, fire and police as well as pictures with the Easter Bunny will be available, according to HuntingtonBeachEvents.com.

Live music will be performed by bands, and attendees will get to try out some new classes hosted by the Community Services department. There will also be a pancake breakfast and hot lunch hosted by the Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club at the Murdy Community Center. There is no admission cost for the event; food and other items will be for sale.

For more information, call (714) 960-8895.

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Easter Sunday in H.B.

On March 31, there will be an Easter in the Park service at 6 and 9 a.m. at the Central Park Bandstand area, behind the library, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach. The Scott Cunningham band will provide music. For more information, call (714) 465-3000 or visit ccbeachside.com.

Later that day, Old World Village will host an Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old World German Restaurant, 7561 Center Ave., No. 49, in Huntington Beach.

Cost for the brunch is $20.95 for adults, $18.95 for seniors, $10.95 for children ages 6 to 12, $5 for children ages 3 to 5 and free for those younger than 3.

For reservations or more information, call (714) 895-8020 or visit oldworld.ws.

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Easter festivities this weekend

It's the seventh annual Easter Festival and Treasure Hunt from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. this Sunday at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa.

The treasure hunt starts at 10 a.m. "in which young sleuths will visit several vendors for free candy while also seeking plastic eggs filled with treats at designated Market Place food concessions, 10 of which contain a special gold ticket. A gold ticket entitles the winner to select a giant prize-packed Easter basket," according to a news release.

The first 500 kids in line for the treasure hunt also will receive a free egg-coloring kit and free admission coupons for local attractions, the release said.

Free face-painting will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as well.

From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., marionette puppeteer Tait Hill of Huntington Beach will bring his "Pullin' Strings Puppet Productions' Uncle Gus' Puppet Carnival" for three free shows. Hill will perform at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on the main stage.

Appearances by the Easter Bunny will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the bunny will be handing out treats and posing for photos (bring a camera).

Children should bring their Easter baskets for the treasure hunt. Free hunt bags will also be on hand for those who need them. The regular swap meet will also take place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission to the Orange County Market Place is free for kids 12 and younger and $2 for ages 13 and older. Free parking is available as well as preferred parking for $5.

There will be an egg scavenger hunt, a petting zoo and pony rides, a bounce house and other games and activities for kids, according to a news release. The Easter Bunny also will be on hand for photos. The event is free and open to the public.

The scavenger hunt will start at 10 a.m. and food will be sold, with proceeds going to Costa Mesa schools. Entertainment will be provided by the Estancia High School cheer squad and Adams Elementary music program. In addition, a local Starbucks will serve free coffee. More information is at torellirealty.com.

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Easter Brunch at Pascal's

Brasserie Pascal is featuring an Easter Brunch With Endless Bubbles from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31 for $34.95.

Guests will have several choices of appetizers such as a berry parfait, spring pea soup and grilled pear and spinach salad; entree choices such as duck confit hash and eggs, asparagus and crab meat benedict and creme brulee brioche French toast; and dessert choices of petit crème brulee and flourless chocolate cake and a marshmallow egg, according to a news release.

Still in need of a gift? B. toffee is offering its "Easter B.unny Basket," which features B.toffee in both milk chocolate and dark chocolate, a six-ounce bag of B. bits, a special four-ounce Easter gift box by Betsy Thagard, all in a festive basket, according to a press release.

The Easter basket is $54.99, excluding tax and shipping. All delivery orders must be placed by March 22 to ensure on-time delivery.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is featuring an Easter Sunday Three-Course Brunch Menu for $36.95, and each party will also receive a $25 dining card for a future visit.

The brunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at all locations.

According to a press release, "The culinary experience begins with a choice of appetizer including Lobster Bisque, Modern Caesar or Fresh Seasonal Fruits; followed by a choice of entrée including prime rib with a trio of sauces or baked brioche French toast with a walnut crisp, among other mouthwatering choices and ends with a choice of dessert including the classic white chocolate bread pudding."

The three-course champagne brunch is $42.75 for adults and $18 for children.

According to a press release, the brunch "will begin with a choice of two salads, white and green asparagus soup, griddle crab cake, Bresaola carpaccio or roasted red beets. Among the entrees are a Bayside 'Benedict' on toasted brioche, chicken breast 'Cordon Bleu,' Maine lobster salad sandwich and Tiger Prawns with 'famous' green risotto. Topping off the meal is a choice of almond poppy seed cake or a chocolate hazelnut crisp with raspberries."

Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill's "Picture Perfect" Easter Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature a visit from the Easter Bunny and a complimentary photo for each party, according to a news release.

The special brunch entrees range from $8.95 to $15 and there's also the Weekend Fun Bar, where guests can make their own Bloody Marys, screwdrivers and mimosas for $4.

Z'Tejas is at 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. More information is at (714) 979-7469 or http://www.ztejas.com.

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Newport Dunes Easter Brunch

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort starts the Easter fun with an egg hunt at 9 a.m. March 30, followed by a pancake breakfast.

"More than 6,000 eggs will be hidden with some containing candy and some containing toys. The public is invited at no cost to participate in the hunt, which will be officiated by the Easter Bunny, who will be available for photos," a press release states.

The pancake breakfast includes a buffet of pancakes, bacon, fruit, juice and coffee. Cost is $12 for adults and $7 for children under 12.

It's the 21st annual celebration for Newport Dunes, which will continue celebrating with a Champagne Brunch on Easter Sunday.

"The extravagant brunch buffet will include endless Champagne and Mimosas as well as eggs benedict, make-your-own omelet station, French toast, a carving station with prime rib or roasted turkey, an array of fresh seafood including grilled salmon, shrimp and crab legs and a chocolate fountain with fresh strawberries, marshmallows and other delights," according to the news release.

And on a non-Easter related note: 16th Colony will be having a trunk show from 5:30 to 9 p.m. this Friday at the Briana Rene shop inside the OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa.

16th Colony "is a new line of handmade ponchos from O.C. designer Renee Rogers," the news release states.

It's her first trunk show for the brand. Cocktails, music, desserts and giveaways will be part of the event. Guests will get a chance to meet the designer as well. More information is at 16thcolony.com.

ALISHA GOMEZ is the managing editor of the Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent. She can be reached at alisha.gomez@latimes.com or (714) 966-4618.